Soulard

Soulard, an entry in the National Register of Historic Places, is best known for the second largest Mardi-Gras celebration in the U.S. This tight-knit community features great neighborhood bars and restaurants centered around an enormous indoor/outdoor Farmers' Market, which has been in operation for over a century.

Cloisters

2500 S. 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63104

Completed in 1887, this structure served as the first Carmelite Monastery west of the Mississippi River. The site of this building was originally chosen for its seclusion from the bustling downtown St. Louis scene. Since then, Cloisters has stood as an urban oasis within what is now the historic Soulard neighborhood. The original structure was constructed in the shape of a Roman cross to reflect it's religious purpose. Many decades and new ownership brought several additions to the building, however the cross is still discernible. One exterior wall also remains which contains ornate reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross. The building severed as the Little Flower Nursing Home from 1974 until it's purchase by Restoration STL in 2003. Though the building's severe state of disrepair required a 4 month interior demolition and stabilization process, crews were able to save many details including breathtaking stained glass, marble and hardwood floors, and architectural details. Cloisters now houses 22 unique apartments featuring private patios, washer/dryers, high-speed internet access, and a fitness center.